Green Sanctuary

Green Sanctuary Committee

We care for our environment so that it may sustain life for generations to come

Description:

All life is interconnected. From the forest to the sea to humanity itself, each thread of being is woven into a single fabric of existence. We embrace nature’s beauty and are in awe of its power. We care for our environment so that it may sustain life for generations to come, an especially important responsibility because those who are most impacted by environmental destruction are often those with the least power. Creating a sustainable way of life is central to our view of a just and compassionate world.

Join us! Volunteer opportunities range from one-day projects to on-going projects with our native garden, recycling, education with children in the Faith Development classes, speaker events, neighborhood clean-ups, Earth Day events, acquiring environmental books for our library, and more. For more information about participating in the Green Sanctuary Committee contact office@uuclonline.org.

History

In 2010, a small group of ecologically minded members of the UUCL community formed a committee to investigate the process for certification as a Green Sanctuary. The Green Sanctuary concept is based on the 7th Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part” and includes:

  • Personal lifestyle choices
  • Congregational programs and practices
  • Outreach and activism in the larger community

Accreditation was received in April ’14 after completion of a variety of projects in four different areas:

Worship and Celebration

  • Earth Day magazine collection
  • Summer Solstice event (hike in Lancaster County Central Park)
  • Bless the Animals ceremony in Buchanan Park

Religious Education

  • Butterfly release on Easter and at Bridge Ceremony
  • Create a Native Garden on site – spearheaded by 5th & 6th grade Faith Development class
  • Green Sign Education program

Environmental Justice

  • Working to end Hydro fracking in Marcellus Shale – showed movie “Gasland” and had a speaker: Mike Sturla
  • Support Washington Elementary School garden

Sustainable Living

  • Bike Rack
  • Green Information Kiosk
  • Green Tour of Lancaster County
  • TerraCycling and other recycling efforts

The Green Sanctuary Committee continues to actively educate our congregation and community through speakers, movies, and annual events such as the native plant sale. We are proud to be among 20% of all UU congregations now certified as Green Sanctuaries.

Latest Posts

Latest Posts From the Green Sanctuary Committee

UUCL Solar Panel Initiative

UUCL, in an effort to live up to our mission and values, has embarked on a project to fund and install new solar panels on our educational wing. This will […]

Green Sanctuary Corner: June

This month, learn more about renewable energy. “Over the last decade, the clean energy industry has changed tremendously. Costs have fallen dramatically, technologies have become more efficient and solutions for […]

Green Sanctuary Corner: May

May’s Theme – Bird Migration Migration is the regular seasonal movement along a flyway between breeding and wintering grounds. It is generally a movement north and south. The birds move […]

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